Discussion about Verstappen's future intensifies as Mekies comments on Lambiase's departure.

      "You know, we talk to Max almost every day."

      Max Verstappen's long-term prospects at Red Bull are coming under increased examination, as team principal Laurent Mekies worked to alleviate worries regarding the upcoming departure of Gianpiero Lambiase. Verstappen's long-standing race engineer is expected to join McLaren after 2027, but Mekies asserts that there will be no immediate disruptions or indications that Verstappen might leave as well.

      "First of all, we don’t see GP as already gone. He will still be with us for the next two years because he has a long-term contract," he stated. "He’s been offered an incredible opportunity. We understand that such chances might only come once in a lifetime, and he has chosen to take it," he continued, referring to Lambiase’s future role at McLaren.

      Mekies emphasized that Verstappen is fully engaged in the situation. "You know, we talk to Max almost every day," he remarked. "He was completely aware of the discussions we had with GP because we are transparent with him. Max doesn't view the project from the outside; he is right in the middle of it."

      Even with ongoing difficulties regarding the 2026 car, Mekies affirms that Verstappen remains dedicated. "The Max we see is fully committed. He wants a fast car and he assists the team in making it faster. He invests all of his energy into that," he explained. "He is very passionate about the sport and made his voice heard when he felt there needed to be changes."

      However, Mekies recognized that performance is crucial. "We understand our priority is to provide him with a car that he can push," he stated, noting that Red Bull, like many teams, plans to launch a significant car upgrade in Miami. "We didn’t make it easy for him in the first three races, and now we need to give him a car that allows him to push consistently."

      This uncertainty is fueling speculation regarding Verstappen’s future. Former driver Ralf Schumacher identifies two possible scenarios. "Either Max Verstappen wants to leave – which I don’t anticipate – or steps are being taken for him to join a team with a more promising future," he shared with Sky Deutschland. "Max is quite impatient. I’m not convinced that staying there is truly an option for him. We’re looking at a timeline of at least two to three years before things align."

      Conversely, fellow former driver Marc Surer questioned whether McLaren is the right choice. "McLaren has been impressive, but with the new regulations, a factory team is a much better option," he said. "What they’ve demonstrated over the past two years is genuinely remarkable – but they’re using a customer engine. Especially now, with a new regulatory era, that is very significant."